What are the responsibilities and job description for the PUBLIC AID INVESTIGATOR TRAINEE position at illinois?
Job Requisition ID: 57364
Opening Date: 07/24/2026
Closing Date: 08/06/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: PUBLIC AID INVESTIGATOR TRAINEE - 35874
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $5,127-$7,135/month ($61,524-$85,620/year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Madison
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.
While not required, a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.
All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.
Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.
Why Work for Illinois?
Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.
Position Overview
The Division of Family and Community Services is seeking to hire a position that functions as a trainee performing investigations relating to fraud and/or abuse of the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance (SNAP) program. After successful completion of the trainee program, to last no longer than 12 months, the trainee will progress to a Public Aid Investigator position.
Essential Functions
- Participates in an on-the-job training program designed to provide thorough working knowledge of investigative procedures utilized by senior investigative staff of the agency.
- Receives instruction in the successful conduct of thorough field investigations of reported or suspected situations of malfeasance or fraudulent activity involving the eligibility of applicants, clients and former clients, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) trafficking, vendor irregularities, etc.
- Receives instruction and personal experience in interviewing and obtaining statements and evidence from neighbors, relatives, employers, and others familiar with the situation under investigation.
- Learns to represent the agency in liaison with federal and state prosecutors, as well as law enforcement agencies and local office staff.
- Testifies in court proceedings and hearings as to facts and evidence obtained in cases investigated.
- Develops and maintains working knowledge of agency policy and procedures, as well as applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
- Requires a bachelor’s degree with major coursework in law enforcement, criminal justice, or related fields or requires an associate degree with major coursework in law enforcement, criminal justice, or related field, and four (4) years of experience in investigative work such as detective, administrative, civil or criminal investigations, licensing/certification investigations, worker’s compensation investigations, etc.
Preferred Qualifications
- Three (3) years of professional experience working with policies, procedures and state and federal laws pertaining to public assistance.
- Two (2) years of professional experience working with investigative methods, techniques, and procedures.
- Two (2) years of professional experience compiling and summarizing data and preparing records and reports in a clear and concise format.
- Two (2) years of professional experience in developing and maintaining collaborative and cooperative working relationship with private and public organizations.
- Two (2) years of professional experience working with court procedures, practices, and rules of evidence.
- Two (2) years of professional experience applying and interpreting laws and regulations relating to public assistance.
Conditions of Employment
- Requires possession of a valid driver’s license.
- Requires ability to pass the Federal Tax Information Access background check.
- Requires the ability to work a flexible work schedule.
- Requires ability to travel statewide in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate, to conduct investigations.
*All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.
Work Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8:30am-5:00pm; 1 hour unpaid lunch
Headquarter Location: 1925 Madison Ave, Granite City, Illinois, 62040
Family & Community Services
Office of Family and Community Resource Centers/Statewide Program Initiative Administration
SNAP Fraud Unit
Granite City/Madison County
Work County: Madison
Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov
Posting Group: Social Services
About the Agency:
The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois. Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives. Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well-being for everyone in Illinois. Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion, Accessibility, Responsibility, and Equity.
As a State of Illinois employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:
- A Pension Program
- Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
- 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
- 12 Paid Sick days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
- 10-25 days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
- Benefit time modified for part-time, 12-hour, & non-standard work schedules (as applicable)
- 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
- Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
- 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
- Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
- Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
- GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
- 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
- Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)
For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html
This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.
If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.
State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.
Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.
If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:
State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid
Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.
State employees should include temporary assignment in the application profile. Temporary assignment verification forms can be uploaded to the Additional Documents section.
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
- donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
- systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com